- Description Chateau de Fontainebleau
- The park and in the Chateau de Fontainebleau
- History of the Château de Fontainebleau
- Transfer from the Chateau de Fontainebleau to Paris airports
The Château de Fontainebleau, a majestic estate situated sixty miles southeast of Paris, finds itself at the heart of the city of Fontainebleau, within the prefecture of Seine-et-Marne. This historic palace, surrounded by lush gardens and extensive grounds, serves as a testament to France’s rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess, making it a significant landmark in the region.
Description of Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau, a grand fortress, was constructed with traditional architectural principles. It preserves the remnants of structures from the fifteenth century, including a dungeon and vestiges of defensive walls. Under the reign of Francis I, the castle was expanded to include the Trinity Chapel. The Château de Fontainebleau maintains the apartments of queen mothers and popes, which are subdivided into several sections. Notable are the galleries of grandeur and the wing of the gallery of Francis I, the apartments of the Emperors, and the intimate apartments of Napoleon. It features the wings of the royal apartments, the apartments of the Empress Josephine, and to delineate the royal apartments further, the Portico of Serlio and the wing of the fireplace are significant. Additionally, the Château de Fontainebleau includes the standard of the Golden Gate, the apartments of Madame de Maintenon, the wing of the ballroom, and the Saint-Saturnin Chapel. Structures from the seventeenth century include the lodging of the Secretaries of State, the tennis court, and the Hall of Deer wing. From the eighteenth century, it houses the Louis XV wing, the Napoleon Museum I, the grand mansion, the Chinese Museum, and the wings of Louis XV in the courts of princes. Conversely, the era of Napoleon III in the nineteenth century saw the construction of specific scenes.
The Park and Grounds of Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau boasts several courtyards, including the court of the white horse, also known as the “odious court” or “court of honor”, and an oval courtyard situated at the center near the fountain. There are numerous other courtyards such as the Mathurin court, the courts of princes, and the court of offices. The park of Fontainebleau spans an impressive area of 115 hectares, featuring the Diane garden to the north of the castle and the English Garden, which is characterized by woodland and a meandering river. The park is also the site of the carp pond, crowned by an octagonal pavilion with a low roof, adding to the estate’s serene beauty.
History of the Château de Fontainebleau
The origins of the Château de Fontainebleau trace back to the twelfth century, marking it as a royal and imperial residence continuously inhabited by the succession of French kings and emperors from François I to Napoleon III over eight centuries. Each sovereign has contributed their unique imprint to the castle’s rich tapestry, making it a living testimony to significant epochs in French history from the medieval era to modern times. Its architecture and interior decorations beautifully merge the French and Italian art traditions. Francis I’s ambition to create a “new Rome” in Fontainebleau attracted Italian artists, leading to the establishment of the School of Fontainebleau. This movement signified a golden era of Renaissance art in France, profoundly influencing French painting well into the mid-seventeenth century.
Transfer from the Château de Fontainebleau to Paris Airports
The Château de Fontainebleau, with its 1,530 recorded rooms spread over five acres, welcomes visitors to explore its grandeur set against a remarkable park. A visit to the castle offers a unique insight into the history of art and French architecture, showcasing the masterpieces housed within its museums. The Château de Fontainebleau stands as a testament to France’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination. Located 58.8 km from Orly Airport, 158 km from Paris Beauvais Airport, and 91.7 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, the castle is within convenient reach for travelers. Experience the comfort of our vehicles by opting for a shuttle transfer to the Château de Fontainebleau from a Parisian airport. Our transfer service allows you to book a high-quality mode of transport. Choose from our selection of collective shuttle cars, private cars, and VIP luxury cars, accompanied by a professional driver for your journey.